Artwork Page for Krishna quells the serpent Kaliya (verso), from a Kalighat album

Details / Information for Krishna quells the serpent Kaliya (verso), from a Kalighat album

Krishna quells the serpent Kaliya (verso), from a Kalighat album

c. 1890

Eastern India, Bengal, Kolkata, Kalighat

View all records in artwork set
Medium
Gum tempera, graphite, and ink on paper
Measurements
Secondary Support: 48.1 x 29.7 cm (18 15/16 x 11 11/16 in.); Painting only: 25 x 20 cm (9 13/16 x 7 7/8 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of William E. Ward in memory of his wife, Evelyn Svec Ward 2003.113.b
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print
?

Did You Know?

Kaliya is one of the few foes whom Krishna did not kill, but permitted him to relocate to an island in the ocean.

Description

The serpent Kaliya was poisoning the water of the Yamuna River near the residence of the cowherding community, where Krishna spent his youth. The animals were dying of the toxins. Krishna wrestled the mighty serpent then emerged from the water to dance on his head. Pleading with Krishna to set him free, Kaliya’s wives are shown like mermaids.
A vertically oriented tempera and ink painting depicts a plain tan background featuring Krishna, a god with dark skin, a yellow garment, and a patterned red shawl, standing atop the head of a coiled blue serpent while holding a flute. Flanking him, two women with medium skin tones, human torsos, and long blue serpent tails face him with palms pressed together. Bold black outlines define the figures.

Krishna quells the serpent Kaliya (verso), from a Kalighat album

c. 1890

Eastern India, Bengal, Kolkata, Kalighat

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork